Simon Cowell's return attracted 10.6 million viewers

The X Factorhas turned around its sliding ratings thanks to a revitalised judging panel that has seen the return of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

A peak audience of 10.6 million viewers tuned in to see the debut of The X Factor's 11th series on Saturday, with an average of 9.5 million viewers, according to overnight ratings reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

According to ITV, the talent contest was the most-watched show on television by more than 4 million viewers.

The renewed audience interest marks a two year improvement on X Factor ratings. The first episode of last year's series attracted 10.3 million viewers at its peak, while 2012's X Factor was watched by a peak of 9.9 million for its first episode. The average audience for 2012's opening show was just 8.7 million, the show's smallest audience for a premiere since 2006.

The show's best opening figures to date were achieved in 2011, when 11.3 million people watched Gary Barlow take Cowell's place in the judging panel. Cowell has been in America during the last three seasons to launch and work on X Factor USA, but when American network Fox cancelled the show he returned, along with former judge Fernandez-Versini.

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Although the improved ratings suggest a stronger season for X Factor after two years struggling against the success of BBC One'sStrictly Come Dancing, the two shows' broadcasting times will collide on Sunday with Strictly's new series debut.